Raymond Crews Proposes Change for Working Teens

The full House will hear a bill today that would let minors work eight hours without taking a break. Right now, young people must be given a break after working five hours.

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The measure passed unanimously in the House Labor Committee Bossier Representative Raymond Crews says currently employers are discouraged from hiring minors because of the law in place. And business owners can face a fine of $500 for violating the law.

Julie Cherry with the Louisiana AFL-CIO tells the Louisiana Radio Network she is concerned the bill could lead to minors not getting any breaks.

"It will allow there not to be (breaks) and if it is convenient for an employer not to offer that, it can happen".

Business groups say this will open the door for more job opportunities for teenagers across the state.

Crews is hoping to win passage on the House side and then get a victory in the Senate and send the bill on to the Governor.